American Horticultural Society unveils $5 million endowment at River Farm gala

The American Horticultural Society announced a $5 million gift from longtime board member Marcia Zech to establish an endowment for AHS.

AHS made the announcement at its annual gala held Sept. 21 at its River Farm headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia.

Zech made the donor-restricted gift to ensure the long-term financial stability of the AHS. The gift will remain vested with the opportunity for other donors to make contributions to help AHS reach an endowment goal of $10 million.

Jane Diamantis, a former AHS board member, and her husband George made the first additional contribution to the endowment with a $75,000 gift.

Zech, who served on the AHS board for 13 years, was awarded the AHS Gold Medal at the gala for her leadership, dedication and impact on the AHS. The Gold Medal is awarded for outstanding service to the society and hasn’t been given since 1959.

In 2021, her commitment was exemplified by a $1 million donation to stabilize the organization after she and four other board members averted the sale of the River Farm property, a 26-acre site that is part of George Washington’s original farmlands.

She retired from the AHS board in June 2024.

“Beyond her significant financial support, Marcia embodies legendary status through her passion, strategic insight, wisdom and kindness. We are extremely grateful for her leadership and support," said AHS President and CEO Suzanne Laporte.